79R5217 MMS-D

By:  Solomons                                                   H.C.R. No. 74 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The 56th Brigade Combat Team of the 36th Infantry 
Division, Texas National Guard, deployed to Iraq in early January 
2005, for a tour of duty that will extend for at least a year; and
	WHEREAS, Members of the Thunderbolt Brigade come from units 
based in more than 20 cities across North and West Texas; at 3,000 
strong, the brigade is the largest force of Texas troops to be 
deployed overseas since World War II; and
	WHEREAS, While in Iraq, members of the brigade will perform 
both offensive and defensive duties, including escorting convoys 
and guarding American work sites; their area of operation covers a 
300-mile-long swath of territory stretching from the south-central 
part of the country to the north; and
	WHEREAS, Mobilized in August 2004, the brigade subsequently 
underwent intensive training both at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort 
Polk, Louisiana; before boarding planes for the Middle East, 
brigade members were given an emotional send-off by a tremendous 
throng of family members and friends at a New Year's Day rally, held 
at the Baylor University football stadium; and
	WHEREAS, Our state and nation are fortunate to have sons and 
daughters whose love of country leads them to service in the 
National Guard, yet we are keenly aware of the disruption that 
long-term mobilization causes in their lives and of the great 
challenges they are being asked to meet; the professionalism and 
devotion to duty exhibited by these courageous men and women are 
deserving of every American's utmost respect and gratitude; and
	WHEREAS, Citizens of Texas are united in their profound 
appreciation for the selflessness, dedication, and valor 
demonstrated by these members of the armed forces and in their 
fervent hope for a successful conclusion to their mission and their 
safe return home; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby honor the members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team, 36th 
Infantry Division, Texas National Guard, for their stalwart service 
in Iraq and ask that during the arduous days ahead, they be kept in 
the thoughts and hearts of all Texans.